10.

1 Early Ideas About Evolution

Uniformitarianism is the prevailing theory of geologic change.

10.4 Evidence of Evolution

Evidence for evolution in Darwins time came from several sources. Fossils provide evidence of evolution. Fossils in older layers are more primitive than those in the upper layers.

12.1 The Fossil Record

Fossils can form in several ways. Permineralization occurs when minerals carried by water are deposited around a hard structure.

12.1 The Fossil Record

A natural cast forms when flowing water removes all of the original tissue, leaving an impression.

12.1 The Fossil Record

Amber-preserved fossils are organisms that become trapped in tree resin that hardens after the tree is buried.

12.1 The Fossil Record

Preserved remains form when an entire organism becomes encased in material such as ice.

12.1 The Fossil Record

Specific conditions are needed for fossilization. Only a tiny percentage of living things became fossils.

12.1 The Fossil Record

Radiometric dating provides an accurate way to estimate the age of fossils.
Relative dating estimates the time during which an organism lived. It compares the placement of fossils in layers of rock. Scientists infer the order in which species existed.

10.5 Evolutionary Biology Today

Fossils provide a record of evolution. Paleontology is the study of fossils or extinct organisms.